Mazda announced a special edition 4-door 4-seat rotary engine sports car based on the RX-8 Type RS. The Mazda RX-8 Spirit R will go on sale from November 24, 2011 in Japan. Mazda RX-8 production will end in June 2012 and SPIRIT R will be the final special edition model. Mazda expects to sell 1,000 units of the special edition RX-8.
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R, a special edition version of its four-door, four-seat rotary engine sports car. The RX-8 SPIRIT R will go on sale from November 24, 2011 at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan. Mazda RX-8 production will end in June 2012 and SPIRIT R will be the final special edition model. Mazda expects to sell 1,000 units.
The RX-8 SPIRIT R is based on the RX-8 Type RS (with six-speed manual transmission) and Type E (with six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission). It is named after the final limited edition Mazda RX-7, and this pedigree is reflected in stylish features that include exclusive seat design and colored alloy wheels. Additionally, Mazda's curtain and front side SRS airbag system, which is available as a factory-installed option on the base models, will be offered as standard equipment. Following the launch, the Mazda RX-8 lineup will consist of the SPIRIT R and the Type G (with six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission) model grades only.
Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda's Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, said, "Mazda's iconic rotary engine recorded its famous victory in the Le Mans 24-Hour endurance race 20 years ago. Throughout 2011, we have been celebrating the 20th anniversary of that victory by demonstrating the winning 787B racecar at Le Mans' Circuit de La Sarthe and various other events around the world. At each one, the screaming rotary engine and the sight of the 787B have enthralled everyone from young children to race fans who witnessed its victory in 1991. These events have been a powerful reminder of the widespread passion for the rotary engine. Although RX-8 production is ending, the rotary engine will always represent the spirit of Mazda and Mazda remains committed to its ongoing development."
Main features of the limited Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R series
- Base models
- RX-8 Type RS (with six-speed manual transmission) and RX-8 Type E (with six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission)
- Special equipment
- For both manual and automatic transmission models
- Exclusive SPIRIT R badge
- Front headlights, front fog lights and rear combination lights (with black bezels)
- Front and rear brake calipers (red)
- Transmission tunnel trim (piano-black)
- Curtain and front side SRS airbag system
- Exclusive to the manual transmission model
- Specially-made SPIRIT R bucket seats from RECARO
- 225/40R19 89W tires and 19-inch alloy wheels (bronze)
- Exclusive to the automatic transmission model
- Leather seats (black with red stitching)
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel (black with red stitching)
- Parking brake lever (with red stitching)
- Center console box front seat armrest and rear console box lid covered with synthetic leather (with red stitching)
- Sports suspension, larger brakes
- 225/45R18 91W tires and 18-inch alloy wheels (gun metallic)
- Exterior body colors
-
- Aluminum Metallic
- Sparkling Black Mica
- Crystal White Pearl Mica
Manufacturer's suggested retail prices
* price of the model in the attached photo
| Model | Engine | Drive | Transmission | Price (with tax) |
| SPIRIT R | Water-cooled two-rotor (0.654L x 2) |
RWD | 6-speed manual | 3,250,000* |
| 6-speed electronically-controlled automatic (Activematic) |
3,120,000 |
- -A separate recycling fee of 12,900 yen is necessary in addition to the prices listed above.
- -If the special body color Crystal White Pearl Mica is selected, the price increases by 31,500 yen (including tax)
Mazda's rotary engine history
| 1961 Jul | Signs a technical contract with NSU and Wankel |
| 1967 May | Announces the completion of the rotary engine and introduces the Cosmo Sport 110S |
| 1968 Jul | Introduces the Familia Rotary Coupe/Mazda R100 |
| 1969 Oct | Introduces the Luce Rotary Coupe/Mazda R130 Coupe |
| 1970 May | Introduces the Capella Rotary/Mazda RX-2 series |
| 1971 Sep | Introduces the Savanna Rotary/Mazda RX-3 is introduced |
| 1972 Nov | Introduces the Luce Rotary/Mazda RX-4 series |
| 1973 Jun | Cumulative production of rotary engine vehicles reaches 500,000 units |
| 1975 Apr | Introduces the Roadpacer |
| 1975 Oct | Introduces the Cosmo AP/Mazda RX-5 |
| 1977 Jul | Introduces the Cosmo L (Landau top) |
| 1977 Oct | Introduces the Luce Legato/Mazda 929L |
| 1978 Mar | Introduces the Savanna RX-7/Mazda RX-7 |
| 1978 Nov | Cumulative production of rotary engine cars reaches 1 million units |
| 1981 Nov | Introduces the new Cosmo and Luce/Mazda 929 rotary series |
| 1986 Apr | Cumulative production of rotary engine vehicles reaches 1.5 million units |
| 1986 Sep | Introduces the fully redesigned Luce |
| 1990 Apr | Introduces the Eunos Cosmo featuring a three-rotor rotary engine |
| 1991 Jun | The Mazda 787B wins the 59th Le Mans 24-Hour endurance race |
| 1991 Dec | Introduces the fully redesigned RX-7 |
| 2002 Mar | Introduces the SPIRIT R final limited edition Mazda RX-7 |
| 2003 Apr | Introduces the Mazda RX-8 |
